Fungi | Nature Notes

November 4, 2009

Inky Cap Mushroom, Coprinopsis atramentaria

Filed under: Fungi — Harold Stiver @ 7:00 am

Inky Cap Mushroom, Coprinopsis atramentaria

The Inky Cap Mushroom, Coprinopsis atramentaria, has some unusual properties. As it matures, it turns black and liquefies. It is an edible mushroom, very mild tasting. However it must be cooked quickly after picking because it takes little time to deliquesce.

Care must be taken that alcohol is not consumed within a few days of eating these mushrooms because they cause an unpleasant reaction. This has resulted in it being given the common names, Tippler’s Bane.

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September 1, 2009

Dead Man’s Fingers

Filed under: Fungi, Ontario — Harold Stiver @ 7:00 am

Dead Man's Fingers, Xylaria polymorpha

I was having a wander through a local woods when I noticed this very odd looking fungi nestled in a dark corner. It is known as Dead Man’s Fingers, Xylaria polymorpha. It grows near the base of a dead stump on the wood just beneath the ground. I suppose with a little imagination, it might resemble the fingers of a dead man, but I tend to think it looks more like something my cat might leave behind.

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